Hi there,

We in our mid twenties are traveling to Phuket for the first time and are looking for two different types of accomm. There are so many web sites we really don't know where to start so open to all advice offered!

Firstly, we would like to spend one week somewhere central in Phuket (Patong Beach area). Willing to spend about AUD$150 per night. We don't want a huge resort, would instead rather boutique style accommodation and doesn't have to be five star.

Secondly (for week two), we are looking to travel to somewhere more remote, away from the crowds and the more touristy areas. A rainforest area would be amazing but would still like to be near the beach. We're looking for a secluded villa / bungalow type retreat (with not many other people) and would spend around AUD$200 per night. An island could also be an option...we have no idea on which area to start looking in, we just want somewhere quite luxurious where we can completely switch off and relax.

Would appreciate any ideas,
Thanks
Elizabeth & Darian

1) Why Patong? I never understood anyone going there unless they wanted to avail themselves of the sex industry sleaze, t-shirt shops, copy CD's that mostly don't work and / or have trojans on to steal your personal data when you visit secure sites, over-priced food and OK bars. Kata is a much better deal IMHO. Actually, I would rather go to Krabi Resort on Ao Phra Nang (Krabi Beach) if I were going on holiday and wanted a bar scene (without pickup girls).

2) Pee Pee Island Village (koh Phi Phi) or Similana Resort (between Khao Lak and Takua Pa).

You will find that The Similana is currently closed and undergoing redevelopment into a luxury hotel, so if your trip is after it opens then you'll be OK. If not, an alternate in that area would be The Haadson Resort. Great location, nice and quiet, close to national parks and on the best beach in the area.
I also agree with Mark about Patong!

If you have to go to Patong you could try the Burasari Resort.
To get away from it all I recommend you to go to Krabi and stay at the Tubkaak Resort, nice and quiet but still with beach and you can do excursions around.

If traveling now (low season) 150 AUD will get you a long way. There are great low season hotel rates. Like Mark, I am not a Patong fan. I live in Phuket and avoid Patong wherever possible. Try Karon or Kata and you are easily within reach of Patong by tuk tuk (or rent a vehicle). Also you don't need to leave Phuket to get a remote location! Hotels like the Baan Krating or TriTrang beach resort will get you away from the crowds. In the low season, Khao Lak will be real quiet and great for a bit of peace and quiet. Check my blog for some hotel recommendations and enjoy your trip!

Definitely Krabi (Railey beach / hotel) as opposed to Blackpool (sorry did i say Blackpool meant to say Patong)

Khoa Lak would be nice for after Phuket, its just south of the "rainforesty" areas and within reach of a days drive from Khoa Lak, i'd stay at Le Meridien for example. Although i did stay Greenview Hotel in Kuraburi a little further North of Khoa Lak, wonderful place with quick access to the Similian Islands (terrific snorkelling there) and even nearer to the rain forest. Rent one of their luxury bungalows as opposed to the Hotel itself. You need car hire for Khoa Lak or Kuraburi. I'd reccommend renting a car in Krabi for drop off in Bangkok and slowly work my way North via Khoal Lak, Kuraburi, Ranong, Hua Hin and visit all the National Parks enroute, especially Khoa Sok just south of Hua Hin.

They have done this with so many great hotels and turned them into expensive nothings. Oh sweet lord.

I agree, the redevelopment of The Similana will probably rob it of its rustic individual charm. However the location will remain one of the best, with a gorgeous virtually deserted beach and fantastic sunrises over the rocks on the headland.
The name of the new operators is, apparently, being kept quiet. However, when I was last in the area, the owner of a nearby hotel advised me that it's going to be Four Seasons.

They work with the Suharto family in Bali and the Four Seasons Resort Sayan is one of the most contentious hotels on the island, having been built against the locals' wishes and building regs next to a very important Hindu temple. Curse them for getting Similana.

Hi Guys

My self and my partner went to thailand in May.. we are early both in our early twenties and from what I can gather did similar things to you.
My recomendations
1. Do not stay in Phuket ( IMHO) it is very dirty and not what you really expect it to be. I would go to Koh Samui.. beaches are amazing and everything is much cleaner!
2. for the 'remote' part of our travels, we went to Koh Lanta, which is an island near phi phi island, but MUCH less touristy... We stayed at
Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa, Rawi Warin which was amazing!!!!
The resort is MASSIVE. They drive you around in golf carts! Our room was a fair way up the hill, so if walking is a problem... ask for one close to the pond! The rooms were so beautiful. They bring you fresh fruit every day which is so yum!
IT has 4 pools, including one that is a ‘sea pool’ which wasn’t working while we were there due to high winds. It also has an infinity edge pool looking over the ocean!
We hired scooters for 250 BHT per day and went exploring the island. There are the most AMAZINg restaurants on hill tops over looking the sea if you drive far emough... the owners see about 2 -3 tourists aweek.

Thats my tips! let me know if you need more info
Grace

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